Deal to bring back A-Treat sodas falls flat, prospective buyer says

Updated on Jun 02, 2015 at 04:28 PM EDT

A-Treat Bottling Co. soda is displayed on the shelves at DnD Market & Deli in Catasauqua. After nearly a century, the Allentown beverage maker ceased operations in January. Jaindl Companies bought the brand in August and resumed production at Coca-Cola Bottling Company of the Lehigh Valley Aug. 17.

A-Treat Bottling Co. soda is displayed on the shelves at DnD Market & Deli in Catasauqua. Jaindl Companies bought the brand in August and resumed production at Coca-Cola Bottling Company of the Lehigh Valley Aug. 17.

A-Treat Bottling Co. soda is displayed on the shelves at DnD Market & Deli in Catasauqua. After nearly a century, the Allentown beverage maker ceased operations in January. Jaindl Companies bought the brand in August and resumed production at Coca-Cola Bottling Company of the Lehigh Valley Aug. 17.

A-Treat Bottling Co. soda is displayed on the shelves at DnD Market & Deli in Catasauqua. After nearly a century, the Allentown beverage maker ceased operations in January. Jaindl Companies bought the brand in August and resumed production at Coca-Cola Bottling Company of the Lehigh Valley Aug. 17.

A-Treat Bottling Co. soda is displayed on the shelves at DnD Market & Deli in Catasauqua. After nearly a century, the Allentown beverage maker ceased operations in January. Jaindl Companies bought the brand in August and resumed production at Coca-Cola Bottling Company of the Lehigh Valley Aug. 17.

A-Treat Bottling Co. soda is displayed on the shelves at DnD Market & Deli in Catasauqua. After nearly a century, the Allentown beverage maker ceased operations in January. Jaindl Companies bought the brand in August and resumed production at Coca-Cola Bottling Company of the Lehigh Valley Aug. 17.

A-Treat Bottling Co. soda is displayed on the shelves at DnD Market & Deli in Catasauqua. After nearly a century, the Allentown beverage maker ceased operations in January. Jaindl Companies bought the brand in August and resumed production at Coca-Cola Bottling Company of the Lehigh Valley Aug. 17.

A-Treat Bottling Co. soda is displayed on the shelves at DnD Market & Deli in Catasauqua. After nearly a century, the Allentown beverage maker ceased operations in January. Jaindl Companies bought the brand in August and resumed production at Coca-Cola Bottling Company of the Lehigh Valley Aug. 17.

A-Treat Bottling Co. soda is displayed on the shelves at DnD Market & Deli in Catasauqua. After nearly a century, the Allentown beverage maker ceased operations in January. Jaindl Companies bought the brand in August and resumed production at Coca-Cola Bottling Company of the Lehigh Valley Aug. 17.

On Tuesday, Eifler issued a statement indicating he is no longer pursuing the deal, citing the company has not followed through on the verbal agreement and has done nothing to advance the deal.

"As we moved through the negotiation process, several deadlines passed without any response," he said. "In my opinion, the resulting inactivity has significantly damaged the value of the original agreement."

A-Treat attorney Gerald Barr could not immediately be reached for comment.

Eifler said he received an outpouring of support for his plans from the community.

A-Treat's local production and unique soda flavors - pineapple, Big Blue and grapefruit, to name a few - made it a favorite for many Lehigh Valley residents. Word of A-Treat's closure earlier this year
produced a run on stores and distributorships
.

The efforts on Eifler's end to jumpstart the company were significant, he said, noting that a "top-notch team" was being assembled, and modernized production processes were being explored.

"I believe there was amazing potential for my team to continue the A-Treat legacy and breathe new life into an iconic product," Eifler said. "Whether some other party will be given the chance to do so after months of inactivity remains to be seen.

"It would have been a great ride," he said. "There is no question in my mind this could have worked, and worked very well. I believe the loss not only affects us, but also former A-Treat employees and the community at large. I have no regrets for pursuing this venture."